annoying cap(s) on evse ...

Most of the public charging stations which I have encountered at ChargePoint. They have a weatherproof latching receptacle/holder which retains the J1772 connector until the station is activated by a user with a ChargePoint card. The user returns the J1772 connector to the holder to complete the process and to close out the accounting/billing.

I have seen other public chargers provided at motels and restaurants. I cannot recall seeing any which did not have a weather-resistant holder to stow the J1772 connector. Of course, there are always some thoughtless idiots who just drop the cord in the ground (usually in 12" of snow) and drive over it on their way out.